Model-based Reliability-Centered Design of Power Electronics Dominated Microgrids

This paper proposes a model-based design approach for microgrids considering the aging of power electronic devices under different operating conditions. The proposed approach takes into account the physics of failure mechanisms in converter components as the failure prone devices in power systems. Furthermore, it considers the impacts of load profile on the aging of converter components and system performance. This approach facilitates accurate and optimized design of power electronic-based microgrids. According to this approach fragile links of power converters for a specified application can be identified. Moreover, the weakest converters based on their function in the microgrid can be recognized. As a result, economic decision making within design and planning of microgrids can be achieved.

I. Introduction

Microgrids are building blocks of future energy systems. They reinforce power systems reliability and resilience against planned and unplanned events and uncertainties. Notably, power electronics play a key role in implementation and operation of microgrids. However, they are a frequent source of failure and downtime in many applications [1]–[5]. In order to guarantee the reliable and optimal operation of such systems, reliability-based design approaches need to be employed during planning of such systems.